straighten

Word parts

straight + -en

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈstreɪtn̩/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form straighten

Third-person singular straightens

Past tense straightened

Past participle straightened

Present participle straightening

1. (transitive & intransitive) If you straighten a place up, you put everything in the right place.
   • Synonyms: tidy and clean

   Can you straighten up in here, and make your bed?

2. (transitive & intransitive) If you straighten something, you make it straighter, less curved or irregular.

   He took a deep breath and straightened up before walking in.

   After going through the mountains, the road straightened out.

   She usually straightened her hair in the mornings.

Related words

• straight